The Cleveland Browns now find themselves in yet another strange situation involving none other than Shedeur Sanders. This time, it’s following another immature moment — this one during a media interview. The Browns recently announced Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback for this weekend’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“The Cleveland Browns are benching veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and will turn to rookie Dillon Gabriel as their starter for Sunday's game in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Flacco will serve as Cleveland's backup Sunday, while rookie Shedeur Sanders will remain the third-string quarterback,” ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi wrote.
Following the announcement, the media met with Sanders and asked about the move — specifically, why he hadn’t been promoted to backup. Instead of responding, Sanders chose to mime his answer, staying silent and using exaggerated gestures. The moment sparked backlash across the NFL.
“I actually don't think there is a time and place to act like that as a quarterback,” ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky said.
Many speculated that the act was a shot at Gabriel, but Cleveland reporter Mary Kay Cabot clarified that this wasn’t the case.
“Shedeur in his own way was trying not to steal the show for Dillon Gabriel. He was trying not to create the next headline. He knows he's a content machine, he didn't have any ill intent,” Cabot said on 92.3 The Fan.
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While Sanders continues to find new ways to attract media attention, this instance doesn’t appear to have been intentional. Still, it was widely viewed as an immature way to handle a direct question.
The Browns, for their part, may already be considering contingency plans if this behavior continues.
“The only question anyone should be asking is would they go to Zappe before Shedeur and the answer is yes. They do not want to see him, every day there's a new leak about how unprepared he is,” Anthony Lima said.
This rookie campaign is quickly turning into a disaster — both for Sanders and for the Browns. At this point, the organization seems to be distancing itself as much as possible from the third-string rookie.
The mime stunt is just the latest example of Sanders creating controversy — whether he means to or not.